BERKELEY – Despite goals from junior John Fitzpatrick and Connor Hallisey, the first of the freshman's college career, No. 14 California lost to Santa Clara, 4-2, on Friday afternoon in the Bay Area Classic on Goldman Field at Edwards Stadium. The Golden Bears' record fell to 2-2-2 after the nonconference match, while Santa Clara improved to 4-1-1 and clinched the title of the Bay Area Classic.

 

“It was a tough day at the office,” Cal head coach Kevin Grimes said. “Results like this bring out learning experiences for your team.”

 

Hallisey scored past goalkeeper Kevin Klasila from in close to put the Bears ahead 1-0 at 20:50. Sophomore defender Ryan Neil and junior forward Kyle Lunt assisted on the midfielder’s goal.

 

Santa Clara then scored twice – David Castellanos, converting an Erik Hurtado cross, struck at 35:22 and Hurtado scored an unassisted goal at 41:50 – to claim a 2-1 lead it would take into halftime.

 

The Broncos increased their advantage when Phillip Muscarella, running onto a pass from Carlos Montes, forged into the Cal box and fired into the net at 48:31. Santa Clara led, 3-1.

 

The Bears pressed for a goal and got one at 68:59, when freshman midfielders Max Oldham and Seth Casiple combined to set up Fitzpatrick. The forward scored from close range to make the score 3-2 and collect his team-high third goal of the season.

 

The Cal comeback hit a snag at 74:45, when freshman defender Christian Dean picked up his second caution – and thus a red card – and was ejected.

 

With the Bears playing a man down, Santa Clara struck again at 82:45, with Montes crossing to Glenn Vass, whose goal gave the Broncos a 4-2 lead.

 

Cal fired three more shots in the last few minutes but wound up with the 4-2 loss.

 

Sophomore goalkeeper Robby Gogatz made nine saves for the Bears, while Klasila wound up with three.

 

“We’re just going to look back at the mistakes we made, try to fix them as best we can this week at practice and just come back and try to win next week,” Cal junior defender Chris Ortega said. “You can’t really dwell on these losses. You just have to look forward and stay positive.”

 

The Bears next play on Sept. 23 when they head to the Farm to play Vermont in the Stanford Nike Classic.